How is Land Distributed Between the Farmers of Palampur?
In the village of Palampur, about one-third of the 450 families are landless, meaning approximately 150 families, most of whom belong to the Scheduled Castes (dalits), do not own any land. Of the families that do own land, roughly 240 cultivate small plots of less than 2 hectares. Due to this fragmentation, small farmers often struggle to earn adequate income from their agricultural activities.
For example, a farmer named Gobind possessed 2.25 hectares of land, which provided a sufficient income for his family. However, after Gobind's death, his land was divided among his three sons, resulting in each son inheriting only 0.75 hectares. Despite improved irrigation methods and modern farming techniques, they struggled to make a living from their minuscule plots, necessitating additional work to support their families.
The inequitable land distribution is further highlighted by the presence of medium and large farmers in Palampur, who cultivate plots greater than 2 hectares. There are indeed 60 families of medium and large farmers, with some owning over 10 hectares. This structure results in larger farmers having more substantial earnings and financial stability compared to small farmers and landless families.